Manitoba’s landscape is filled with lakes, prairie grasslands, and massive swathes of boreal forests where spruce and fir trees tower. Located on the traditional territories of numerous First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, Manitoba attracts visitors looking to dive into the province’s natural beauty and expanding cultural scene. Things to do include spotting polar bears and belugas around the city of Churchill, catching one of the Métis' Red River Jig performances, and exploring the galleries and museums of Winnipeg.
Winter in Manitoba gets cold, with an average winter temperature of 10°F (-12°C), but it's an ideal time for skiing through the prairies, ice-fishing on a lake, and catching the northern lights. In February, you can also check out Winnipeg’s boisterous Festival du Voyageur, full of French-Canadian cuisine, jigging, and snow sculptures. June is when it starts to get properly warm; visit during the summer for a canoe trip down one of Manitoba’s many waterways and recreate the journeys of the fur traders who once filled the province.
Manitoba is a large province, and if you’re looking to travel beyond Winnipeg, it makes sense to rent a car. Winnipeg is home to the province’s international airport, but there are plenty of regional airports, including in Churchill. Make sure to plan out your route before committing—it’s easy to underestimate the scale of the province on a map.
For cozy comfort food, head to Luda’s Deli in Winnipeg. Manitoba is home to a large Ukrainian population, and perogy is a favorite food across the province. At Luda’s, choose between boiled or fried perogy, warm up with a hearty bowl of borscht topped with sour cream, and enjoy some people-watching as the deli bustles with customers. It’s cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.
